Enter the 2022 Ford EcoSport, a subcompact crossover designed with city living in mind. With its small footprint, elevated driving position, and standard all-wheel drive for 2022, the EcoSport delivers a practical and confident driving experience in a wide range of conditions. Originally introduced to the U.S. market in 2018, the EcoSport has carved out a niche among drivers who want the versatility of an SUV without the bulk or high price tag. For 2022, Ford has simplified the lineup by discontinuing the previously offered 1.0L turbocharged engine, making the more powerful 2.0-liter engine and AWD setup standard across all trims.
Exterior Design
The 2022 Ford EcoSport stands out in the crowded subcompact SUV segment with a bold yet approachable design that balances rugged utility with urban sophistication. Though it’s among the smallest vehicles in Ford’s SUV lineup, the EcoSport makes a confident visual statement through its upright stance, athletic proportions, and clever styling cues.
Front-End Styling
It’s flanked by sleek, angular headlamps and a sculpted hood, which give the vehicle a sharp, modern look.
Side Profile and Proportions
From the side, the EcoSport’s compact dimensions are immediately evident, making it ideal for navigating tight city streets or squeezing into snug parking spots. The available 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels add visual strength and presence, contributing to a more planted and athletic stance.
Unique Rear Design
One of the most distinctive design features of the 2022 EcoSport is its side-hinged rear gate—a rare trait in today’s SUV market. The rear also features stylish taillights and subtle badging, completing the look with clean and functional lines.
Color Options and Trims
Ford offers the EcoSport in a variety of eye-catching colors, such as Luxe Yellow, Race Red, and Lightning Blue, allowing buyers to personalize their ride. Each trim level brings its own exterior flourishes:
- S: Simple and clean with essential features
- SE: Adds chrome touches and roof rails
Interior and Comfort
Cabin Layout and Seating
The EcoSport seats up to five passengers, with surprisingly generous headroom and a high seating position that provides a sense of spaciousness uncommon in the subcompact SUV segment. The front seats are firm but supportive, with enough adjustment options to find a comfortable driving position—even on longer commutes. Cloth upholstery comes standard, while leather-trimmed seating is available on higher trims like the Titanium.
The rear seats are adequate for two adults or three kids, though taller passengers may find legroom a bit tight on longer rides.
Interior Materials and Finish
While the EcoSport doesn’t aim to rival luxury crossovers in terms of materials, it delivers a clean and utilitarian interior with intuitive controls and logically arranged features. The dashboard is simple but functional, with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs. Higher trims elevate the experience with touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting, and metallic accents for a more refined feel.
The build quality is solid, and while hard plastics are used throughout, they are durable and well-suited for everyday use.
Technology and Infotainment
SYNC® 3 Infotainment System
Standard on the SE trim and above, SYNC® 3 includes:
- An 8-inch touchscreen with swipe and pinch-to-zoom capability
Audio Systems
Audio quality varies by trim level:
- The Titanium trim upgrades to a premium 9-speaker Bang & Olufsen (B&O) sound system, offering richer, more immersive audio quality for music lovers.
Digital Convenience Features
- Rearview camera for safer parking and reversing
- Rear parking sensors on higher trims for added assistance in tight spots
The EcoSport may not offer a fully digital instrument cluster or cutting-edge driver displays like some newer competitors, but it covers the core essentials with confidence and clarity.
FordPass™ Connect and App Integration
This allows drivers to remotely:
- Lock/unlock the doors
- Start/stop the engine
- Check fuel levels and vehicle status
Performance and Handling
The 2022 Ford EcoSport may be small in size, but it’s designed to offer confident and practical performance, especially for drivers navigating busy urban environments.
Engine and Transmission
For the 2022 model year, Ford has simplified the EcoSport’s powertrain by dropping the previous 1.0-liter turbocharged engine. Now, all models come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque.
While the engine won’t win any races, it offers enough power for daily driving tasks such as merging onto highways, climbing hills, or carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. It strikes a decent balance between responsiveness and fuel economy, though some rivals with turbocharged options may feel peppier off the line.
Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
One of the standout features of the 2022 EcoSport is its standard Intelligent 4WD system (Ford’s version of AWD), which is now included across all trim levels. This gives the EcoSport an edge over competitors that only offer AWD as an upgrade or limit it to higher trims.
The AWD system constantly monitors traction and adjusts power between the front and rear wheels to maintain grip on slippery or uneven surfaces. This makes the EcoSport particularly appealing for drivers in regions with rain, snow, or poor road conditions, giving added peace of mind during inclement weather.
Towing Capability
When properly equipped, the 2022 EcoSport can tow up to 2,000 pounds, which is more than many vehicles in its class. This makes it a versatile option for those who may occasionally tow a small trailer, kayak rack, or other light loads.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is often a top priority for buyers in the subcompact SUV segment, and the 2022 Ford EcoSport delivers decent—though not class-leading—efficiency for its size and capability. With its standard 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive across all trims, the EcoSport focuses more on practicality and traction than squeezing every last mile out of a gallon.
EPA Estimates
According to the EPA, the 2022 EcoSport achieves the following ratings:
- 23 mpg in the city
- 29 mpg on the highway
- 25 mpg combined
These figures are consistent across all trims, as all models share the same engine and AWD setup.
How It Compares
Compared to other subcompact SUVs, the EcoSport's fuel economy is slightly below average, largely due to the absence of a more efficient front-wheel-drive (FWD) version and its older engine technology. Many competitors—such as the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, or Mazda CX-30—offer higher fuel efficiency, especially in their FWD configurations or with smaller turbocharged engines.
Many rival models charge extra for AWD or only offer it in upper trims, meaning buyers would often sacrifice some fuel economy if they wanted added traction.
Real-World Efficiency
In real-world driving, the EcoSport’s fuel economy is generally in line with EPA estimates, especially for those who split their time between city and highway driving. Its compact size and efficient use of power help it perform well in stop-and-go traffic and urban environments, where it’s easy to make the most of its fuel tank.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the 2022 Ford EcoSport offers a range of essential features designed to protect both driver and passengers during everyday commutes and unexpected situations. While it may not include the most advanced driver-assistance technologies found in some rivals, the EcoSport covers the safety fundamentals well and includes a few helpful modern aids.
Standard Safety Equipment
Every 2022 EcoSport comes equipped with a suite of basic safety features that help ensure occupant protection and driver awareness. Standard features include:
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™: This system helps maintain vehicle stability during extreme steering maneuvers or when traction is compromised, such as on slippery roads.
- Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control: These systems work together to prevent wheel slippage and maintain control during acceleration and cornering.
- Rearview Camera: Standard on all trims, the backup camera assists with parking and reversing in tight spaces—especially useful in urban environments.
Available Driver Assistance Features
Rear Parking Sensors: Assist with gauging distances behind the vehicle while reversing—especially helpful when parking in crowded areas.
Hill Start Assist: Prevents rollback when transitioning from brake to gas on an incline, improving control in hilly or steep driving conditions.
Crash Test Ratings
As of the 2022 model year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the EcoSport an overall safety rating of four out of five stars, with solid scores in frontal and side crash tests. While it hasn’t received top-tier accolades from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the EcoSport’s structure and core safety systems provide adequate protection for most daily driving needs.
What’s Missing?
These features are becoming increasingly common in many rivals, even at base trims, so their absence may be a drawback for safety-conscious buyers.
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